Jesus, Our Example and Lord

GOLDEN TEXT: “And Jesus increased with God and man.” —Luke 2:52

LUKE 2:40-52

THE Scriptures reveal little concerning the boyhood days of Jesus. We know that at a very early age—probably when he was about two years old—his foster father was warned by God of dangers which surrounded him in Jerusalem, and he was instructed to take the young child to a safe retreat in Egypt. Later when Herod, who sought the boy’s life, had himself died, Joseph returned to Nazareth with his wife and the boy Jesus. Aside from this, the incident related in today’s lesson is almost all we know of Jesus’ life prior to the time he was thirty years of age and came to John the Baptist and asked to be immersed.

It is, of course, a joy and an inspiration to think of the zeal of the boy Jesus in seeking to know and to do his Heavenly Father’s will. The words of the boy Jesus, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” reflect a consecrated attitude of mind and heart which every true follower of the Master might well seek to emulate. Surely we, also, should be about in wisdom and stature, and in favor our Father’s business. Indeed, this should be the chief concern of every consecrated follower of Jesus.

Actually, however, the sacrificial walk of Jesus in which we, as Christians, endeavor to follow, did not begin until he entered upon his ministry at Jordan. There he began to lay down his life, and at this point in his human life we begin to follow his example of sacrifice, endeavoring to be “planted together in the likeness of his death.”—Rom. 6:5

It is true, though, that helpful lessons may be drawn from the little we know of Jesus’ life previous to the time he entered upon his active ministry. The record of his conversation with the Doctors of the Law in the temple is very incomplete, but since he said to his mother in reference to his purpose in being in the temple, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” we may assume that he was endeavoring to learn from them when it would be proper for him to consider entering into the active service of his Heavenly Father.

Under the Law, one was not eligible to do priestly service until he was thirty years of age. (Num. 4:3) Probably Jesus learned this when questioning the religious guides of Israel in the temple. It seems a reasonable conclusion that this is why he was willing to return to Nazareth with his parents and be subject to their wishes until he was thirty years of age.

We are told that when Jesus “began to be about thirty years of age” he came to John to be baptized. (Luke 3:23) This wording seems to suggest that Jesus was alert and ready even a little before that time—when he “began” to be about thirty. Perhaps he left home in time to permit him to reach John on the very day he was thirty years old. There was no tarrying on his part.

This is an example which every Christian might well notice and endeavor to apply in his life. One of the tendencies of the fallen human nature is to put things off; to say, well, I know the Lord wants me to do this, but I will do it tomorrow; today I have temporal matters to take care of. To put the Lord and the Lord’s business first in our lives, as Jesus did, is a real test of true Christian discipleship. We constantly need to be on guard lest we find ourselves giving the Lord merely what is left of time or strength, or other talents.

Our Golden Text is very revealing. It informs us that Jesus grew in favor both with “God and man.” He continued to grow in favor with God, even after his baptism and entry upon his ministry. But from that time onward he began to lose favor with man. True, there were many who marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Multitudes followed him for the loaves and the fishes. But sentiment continued to build up against him, especially within the ranks of Israel’s religious leaders, and finally they were able to incite the crowd to cry, “Crucify him! crucify him!”

In his maturing years Jesus surely was “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners,” even though this is said of him as our High Priest. (Heb. 7:26) Certainly he must have been kind and gracious to all with whom he came in contact. It was not his righteousness, therefore, nor his graciousness, nor his kindness, that caused the people to hate him. Rather, it was the fact that when he began his ministry the truths which he taught exposed the errors and hypocrisy of Israel’s religious leaders. He let his light shine, and the darkness hated the light. In this his example is most important to us. Are we likewise faithful in our witness for the truth?

QUESTIONS

How much do we know about the boyhood days of Jesus?

Can we profit by Jesus’ example as a boy?

At what point in Jesus’ life do we begin particularly to follow in his steps?

At what age was it proper for Jesus to enter upon his ministry?

Did Jesus continue to grow in favor with men after his baptism?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |